Patient Acceptability of Two Diuretic/Potassium Supplement Preparations

Abstract

In a random crossover study in general practice, sixty patients with heart failure were given one week's maintenance treatment with the recommended dosage of Burinex K or Lasix + K. Burinex K appeared to be easier to swallow than the supplement tablets of Lasix + K although the differences were not significant. Patients showed a highly significant preference to take two tablets on one occasion ( Burinex K) rather than two different types of tablet on three separate occasions ( Lasix + K). Despite pharmacological arguments in favour of simultaneous versus separate administration of potassium supplement and diuretic, patient acceptability is of over-riding importance in the long-term.